Personal statement

Rich Warren is a creative media professional bridging industry practice and academic research. He spent 15 years at Encounters Film Festival as Producer/Festival Director/CEO, transforming it into one of Europe's leading platforms for emerging filmmakers and animators, whilst building international partnerships with international festivals.

Now based at Bath Spa University, Rich focuses on redefining how cultural value is measured and evidenced within the creative industries. He brings his extensive creative industries experience directly into the classroom at Artswork Media, providing BSU students with real-world insights into creative media enterprise, digital innovation, and the practical realities of working within the cultural sector.

Rich's research interests centre on understanding how cultural networks function and create value within the creative industries. Drawing on Actor-Network Theory, his work examines the complex relationships between festivals, artists, and cultural institutions, with particular focus on how these networks facilitate creative development pathways and career progression for emerging artists. His current research explores new methodologies for evidencing impact within cultural ecosystems, challenging traditional metrics to reveal the deeper value created through industry networking, professional development initiatives, and collaborative partnerships across international festival circuits.

As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Rich is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and creating equal opportunities within the cultural sector. His work combines deep industry knowledge with academic rigour, specialising in creative development pathways, cultural impact assessment, and creative media enterprise. He currently serves as a trustee for Carousel.

Academic qualifications

  • PGCHE, Bath Spa University 
  • Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
  • MFA Curating, University of the West of England 
  • BA (Hons) Media Practice, University of the West of England 

Research and academic outputs

  • Network Effects (2024-Present):
    Funded research examining how international film festivals create value for emerging artists beyond traditional audience metrics, working with a global network of festival partners to establish new frameworks for measuring cultural impact.

Teaching specialisms

  • Creative Media Enterprise
  • Digital Practice
  • Digital Innovation and Enterprise
  • Professional Practice
  • Cultural Exhibition.